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How to Get Rid of Dog Urine Smell

The number one question for cleaning dog messes.

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A dog sitting next to a urine spot on the rug

In every pet parent’s life, a little pee must fall. If your dogs are prone to indoor accidents, these tips can help get things tidied up and odor-free.

Soak it up

The first step in any urine-related situation is to use a paper towel to soak up excess liquid. Sop it up and put the wet towel in a place where it is appropriate for your pet to do their business (a litter box or a yard). Hopefully this will send him the message that the carpet is not their designated pee place.

Blast the baking soda

If a spot in your home smells like urine, your dog may conclude that it’s OK to pee there again. Baking soda is a natural deodorant and can be used to remove stains and smells from carpet made of cotton, wool or synthetic fabric. Mix a solution of baking soda, vinegar and water and spray or dab it on the area. Be careful, though — sometimes when a dog smells a strong scent like vinegar, he feels like he has to pee on it again to even things out. Use a room spray or other air fresheners to keep the spot from smelling like a pickle jar.

Ask a vet

Anyone who works with animals daily is an expert on how to get rid of pee smells. Ask your vet what she uses when someone leaves a puddle in her office and see if your local pet store stocks her recommendation.

Suck it up with a vacuum

Once you’ve treated the affected area, either with store-bought or a DIY spray, run a vacuum over it. This will help dry the area and will suck up any excess solution to really keep the smell away.

Once you’ve tidied up, it may be a good idea to try and investigate the reason why your furry friend is so accident-prone lately. Are they sick? Are they just being ornery? Or are they trying to tell you they need more outdoor time?